No favorite, therefore, but a slight advantage for Raymond Domenech’s men who, even though they have not been very impressive in preparation matches, are more than capable of showing up in this first round of competition. In terms of preparation matches, South Africa has not fared too badly with a victory against Denmark (1-0) and Colombia (2-1) and a blowout against the admittedly modest Guatemala (5-0). The same goes for Mexico, which went to beat the Italian world champions on their turf (1-2) after crushing Gambia (5-1) and pinning the Netherlands (1-2). Finally, France’s first opponent, Uruguay, scored a resounding victory over Switzerland (1-3) and against Israel (4-1).
It’s a group that could very well see its two qualifiers emerge on the last day, when France will face South Africa and in the South American clash between Uruguay and Mexico. It must be said that finishing in the second qualifying spot will not be ideal if one wants to avoid a round of sixteen match against the first from Group B, composed of Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, and Greece.
Nice Premium’s prediction: France and Mexico
Group A schedule
June 11, 2010, in Johannesburg: South Africa – Mexico at 16:00
June 11, 2010, in Cape Town: Uruguay – France at 20:30
June 16, 2010, in Pretoria: South Africa – Uruguay at 20:30
June 17, 2010, in Polokwane: France – Mexico at 20:30
June 22, 2010, in Bloemfontein: France – South Africa at 16:00
June 22, 2010, in Rustenburg: Mexico – Uruguay at 16:00
